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Rewarding and memorable experiences await, in a land of lush forests and shimmering lakes.
rwanda
Rwanda has been described as 'the Land of a Thousand Hills' and is now fast becoming renowned as one of the wildlife `must-sees' for its accessibility to the spell binding Mountain Gorillas. Lying at the heart of Central Africa, Rwanda is surrounded by Uganda in the north, Tanzania in the east, Burundi in the south, and Zaire to its west and northwest. A strong conservation ethos, a desire to move forward and being blessed with incredible natural surroundings mean Rwanda is now one of the most rewarding and safest countries in Africa to visit.
INFORMATION Capital: Kigali. Population: 8.6 million across 3 ethnic groups. Language: French, English, Kinyarwanda. Religion: Predominantly Christian. Currency: Rwanda Franc, although US dollars are also accepted. Time Difference: GMT +2 hours. Flight Time: Approximately 11-12 hours (via Nairobi). Geography: Rwanda's countryside is covered by grasslands and small farms extending over rolling hills, with areas of rugged mountains extending from a chain of volcanoes in the northwest. On the western slopes of this ridgeline, the land slopes abruptly toward Lake Kivu and the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while the eastern rolling hills extend across central uplands to the plains and lakes of the eastern border region. RWANDA REGIONAL MAP The accessibility of Kigali means Rwanda can be twinned easily with another safari or beach destination in Africa and travelling here will leave you with life long memories of sheer beauty and unique wildlife, especially when visiting the hidden treasures of its National Parks. Landscapes are vast and varied, and the high elevation makes the climate temperate with average temperatures near Lake Kivu of 23°C. During the two rainy seasons (February-May and SeptemberDecember), heavy downpours occur almost daily, alternating with sunny weather.
UGANDA
Ruhengeri
Lake Kivu
Kigali
RWANDA Butare ZAIRE BURUNDI
TANZANIA
see & do
KIGALI Flowing along and down the sides of a ridge in what appears to be the exact centre of Rwanda is the country's capital, Kigali. The city is small but pretty and is dotted with a wide variety of colourful flora. NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK Is the largest stretch of mountain forest in Eastern and Central Africa where colourful orchids, giant lobelia and over 200 different types of tree can be found. It also attracts 13 species of primate, with troops of up to a hundred using the forest as their adventure playground. THE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Bamboo and rainforest cover the slopes of the seven volcanoes that tower through the mist here. Tracking the gorillas here is arduous but is truly an experience not to be missed. Trekking normally takes between one and four hours. LAKE KIVU Is the largest lake in Rwanda and the towns of Kibuye and Gisenyi offer fantastic views cross the lake as well as being the playgrounds of the country's rich and famous.
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1 Musicians 2 Lake Kivu, Rwanda 3 The Volcano National Park 4 Gorillas
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